Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc shakes hands with Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Ali Ardeshir Larijani in their meeting in Hanoi on April 16 - Photo: VNA

During the meeting, Larijanimentioned the close friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Iran overthe last 45 years, saying that as the two countries’ celebration of the 45thanniversary of their diplomatic ties (1973-2018) this year will open up newopportunities for the two sides to further expand the bilateral relations.

The Parliament of Iran hasrecently approved a master plan for the country’s development over the nextfive years which encourages foreign investment in the fields of oil and gas,petrochemistry, liquefied petroleum gas and agriculture, said the top Iranianlegislator.

Iran wants to cooperate withVietnam in these areas, alongside information technology, cyber-security andenvironmental protection, he noted, adding that Iran welcomes and will createall possible conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to do business in hiscountry.

To raise two-way trade to 2billion USD, he suggested the two countries set up a direct air route andsimplify visa procedures to boost tourism. He also urged better coordinationbetween the two sides in finance and banking which is vital to increasebilateral trade.

PM Phuc, for his part,appreciated the proposals by his Iranian guest, saying they are closely alignedwith the focus of the two nations’ cooperation.

Welcoming Larijani to attendthe Vietnam – Iran business forum during this visit, Phuc said he hasinstructed relevant agencies to invite to the event potential Vietnamesecompanies that are interested in developing partnerships with peers from Iran.

He asked Iran to backVietnam’s candidacy for the UN Security Council from 2020-2021 and suggestedthe two sides increase exchanges of high-level delegations and closely worktogether to host celebrations of the 45th anniversary of theVietnam-Iran diplomatic ties, thus promoting relations in all areas.

Vietnam encourages Iranianfirms to trade and invest in the production of agricultural products, anadvantage of Vietnam, and welcomes Iran’s cooperation in sea transportation,port construction and support industries, the PM said.

He asked the central banksof Vietnam and Iran to together work out ways to remove barriers in paymentbetween the two sides, thus facilitating trade activiites.

The Iranian leader agreedwith PM Phuc, noting that he will direct relevant bodies to soon translate theideas into reality for the benefits of both sides as well as for peace andprosperity in the region and the world at large.

Larijani arrived in Hanoi onApril 15 for an official visit at the invitation of National AssemblyChairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. He will be in the country until April 18.